How to shop homeowners insurance
You have two main options for shopping for homeowners insurance:
You can call to speak with a local independent agent, who can provide you quotes from multiple different companies in your area.
You can get homeowners insurance quotes online through an insurance marketplace like Policygenius that works with a mix of companies in every state and ZIP code.
The advantage to getting home insurance quotes online with a company like Policygenius is that we can provide you an estimate with minimal information (just provide the address of the insured location, a few broad details about the structure itself, and personal details like your date of birth) and we’ll run your quotes.
How to compare home insurance quotes
Comparing home insurance quotes is the best way to find the right policy for your needs while saving hundreds of dollars per year in the process. But saving money on home insurance isn’t just about finding the cheapest quote — it’s about finding the best price on the coverage you need.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how to compare home insurance quotes:
1. Decide how to get homeowners insurance quotes
First up, decide if you want to use a local independent agent or an insurance marketplace like Policygenius. If you prefer sitting down and talking to someone in person, then finding a local agent is probably your best bet.
But if speed and ease are your biggest priorities, then we recommend getting home insurance quotes through our online marketplace at Policygenius. You can click the Get free quotes button anywhere on this page to get started.
2. Consider your coverage needs
Thanks to advances in technology and our ability to collect and analyze tens of thousands of data points in seconds, most insurance providers now provide fairly accurate and similar coverage estimates. But to make sure your quotes are based on your actual home insurance coverage needs, consider getting your own estimates for the following:
The cost to rebuild your home: Your dwelling coverage amount should be equal to your home’s replacement cost, which is the amount it would cost to rebuild your home from the ground up if it were destroyed. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters or storms, you may want to consider a company that offers extended replacement cost or guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
The cost to replace your personal belongings: Your personal property coverage limit should be high enough to cover the total value of your belongings, which means your furniture, computers, small appliances. Additionally, if you’d like your insurance to reimburse you for personal property damage or theft without having depreciation deducted from your payout, you may want to consider a company with replacement cost contents coverage.
The combined value of your assets: Your liability coverage limit should be high enough to cover the total value of your assets, such as the value of your home, car, possessions, liquid assets, and anything else of yours that holds value.
Finally, compare the coverage add-ons (also called endorsements) that each insurer offers to make sure you have all of the protection you need. Examples of coverage endorsements include water backup, equipment breakdown, and scheduled personal property coverage.
When choosing your coverages and limits, don't simply rely on the limits you had in your old policy. That's because rising construction costs and labor shortages have caused the cost to rebuild homes to increase over the last few years. And relying on policy limits from last year could mean your home is underinsured.
According to our Policygenius Home Insurance & Inflation Shopping Survey, more than half of homeowners (56%) didn't review their home insurance policy in the last year to see how much coverage they had. And just 9% increased their home’s coverage limit in the last year to account for these rising construction costs and inflation.
What does this mean for you? Make sure you ask your Policygenius home insurance agent what coverages they recommend to ensure your home is fully protected, even if home rebuild costs continue to rise.
3. Compare coverage and price estimates
While price is an important consideration when comparing home insurance policies, it’s especially vital to check how much coverage your quoted rate is based on. While every company has its own method for calculating coverage amounts, getting quotes with similar levels of coverage will make for a more accurate comparison.
To give you an idea of how much insurance rates can vary by coverage amounts, here’s the average annual premium for five different levels of dwelling coverage.
Dwelling coverage level | Average annual premium |
$100,000 | $946 |
$200,000 | $1,442 |
$300,000 | $1,754 |
$400,000 | $2,481 |
$500,000 | $3,066 |
4. Compare discounts and deductible options
The rate you’re quoted isn't necessarily what you'll end up paying. In fact, insurance companies generally won’t factor in discounts until they’ve quoted you a final premium. For this reason, you should consider each company’s list of available discounts in addition to quoted premiums.
Another factor that impacts your premiums is your home insurance deductible amount, which is the amount you’re responsible for paying out of pocket on each claim. The higher your deductible, the cheaper your premiums will be — and vice versa. If you’re not at risk for filing claims, you may want to consider a company that offers the highest deductible policy option.
5. Compare homeowners insurance companies
Your home insurance policy is only as good as the company responsible for paying out the claims. That’s why, along with price and coverage options, you’ll also want to consider the company’s customer service, financial strength ratings, and other factors that can impact your experience as a policyholder.
According to our recent nationwide survey of home insurance shoppers, claims satisfaction was the most important factor customers considered when comparing insurance companies. Roughly 25% of homeowners care most about a company’s claims satisfaction scores, followed by the ability to bundle policies (22%), and high customer review scores (15%).
Sample home insurance quote comparison
Here's an example of two quotes you might get for home insurance coverage and how to compare them.
Annual premium: $2,035
Dwelling coverage: $300,000 with extended replacement coverage
Personal property coverage: $150,000 with actual cash value coverage
Personal liability coverage: $500,000
Standard deductible: $2,000
Wind/hail deductible: 3% of dwelling coverage ($9,000)
Annual premium: $2,627
Dwelling coverage: $300,000 with guaranteed replacement coverage
Personal property coverage: $150,000 with replacement cost coverage
Personal liability coverage: $500,000
Standard deductible: $500
Wind/hail deductible: 5% of dwelling coverage ($15,000)
Quotes are used for illustrative purposes only. Actual rates and coverage limits will vary by customer.
Looking at the two fictional quotes above, you can see that while State Farm has higher premiums than Allstate, you only have to pay $500 when you file a standard claim — versus $2,000 with Allstate.
You'll also notice that both State Farm and Allstate have the same coverage limits for your dwelling and personal property. However, State Farm's quote comes with more comprehensive protection in the form of guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your house and replacement cost coverage for your belongings.
Comparing all of these different coverage types and limits can help you determine which quote makes the most sense for your needs and budget.
Compare best home insurance quotes
To help you compare the best home insurance quotes from Policygenius, our team of home insurance experts examined average home insurance rates and discounts, along with additional coverage options available — like flood endorsements and inflation guard protection.
We also factored in customer satisfaction scores with J.D. Power and financial strength ratings with AM Best to give each of the largest home insurance companies by market share an overall Policygenius rating.
When comparing rates in your best home insurance quotes, keep in mind that the average annual cost of home insurance is $1,754 for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
Company | Policygenius rating ★★★★★ | J.D. Power score | Average annual premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5 out of 5 ★ | 825/100 | $1,406 | ||
4.9 out of 5 ★ | 884/100* | $1,479 | ||
4.8 out of 5 ★ | 829/100 | $1,887 | ||
4.6 out of 5 ★ | 849/100 | $1,756 | ||
4.5 out of 5 ★ | 842/100 | $1,692 | ||
4.5 out of 5 ★ | 827/100 | $1,284 | ||
4.5 out of 5 ★ | 792/100 | $1,845 | ||
4.5 out of 5 ★ | 816/100 | $1,966 | ||
4.5 out of 5 ★ | 801/100 | N/A | ||
4.4 out of 5 ★ | 815/100 | $1,650 | ||
4.4 out of 5 ★ | 794/100 | $1,568 | ||
4.3 out of 5 ★ | 816/100 | $1,879 | ||
4.3 out of 5 ★ | 809/100 | $1,706 | ||
4.3 out of 5 ★ | 809/100 | $1,633 | ||
4.2 out of 5 ★ | 830/100 | $1,339 |
* Based on 2022 sample homeowners insurance quotes for a home with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible ** Based on J.D. Power's latest home insurance customer satisfaction survey released in September 2022 *** USAA isn't officially ranked with J.D. Power due to eligibility
Learn more >> Home insurance reviews methodology
Home insurance company reviews
Our company ratings and home insurance reviews are based on many of the same factors to consider while comparing home insurance quotes, including average rates, coverage options, customer service, and financial ratings. And for a more personalized recommendation, you can refer to our list of the best home insurance companies for a variety of coverage needs and preferences.
Here’s an in-depth look at five top rated companies that offer home insurance quotes through Policygenius.
2023 Policygenius award winner
Allstate
4.4
Why we chose it
Allstate is one of the most popular home insurance providers in the country thanks to several customizable options, unique coverage add-ons like short-term rental coverage, and availability in all 50 states.
Pros and cons
Pros
High-quality and flexible policy options
Numerous discounts and features that help you save
Below-average customer complaints
Cons
No longer sells home insurance policies in California
Below-average digital experience rating with J.D. Power
More details
While its customer satisfaction score with J.D. Power is slightly below the industry average, it received fewer customer complaints from 2019 to 2021 compared to other companies its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
And with an average premium of $1,650 per year, you can expect your Allstate insurance home quote estimate to hover right around the national average.
2023 Policygenius award winner
Nationwide
4.5
Why we chose it
Nationwide home insurance features a slew of comprehensive coverage options. It also received high marks for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power, indicating you can rely on Nationwide when it matters most.
Pros and cons
Pros
Multiple high-quality coverage options
Highly rated for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power
Available in most states
Cons
Below-average customer satisfaction and digital experience ratings
Won’t cover Airbnbs or other short-term rentals
More details
With an average premium of $1,966 per year, Nationwide home insurance is a hair more expensive than the national average. But it offers plenty of discounts to help keep your rates down, including discounts if you recently renovated your home or invested in a qualifying smart home device, and a home and auto bundling discount that can help you save an average of 13% on premiums.
But where Nationwide really stands out is its enhanced dwelling coverage options, offering both extended and guaranteed replacement cost — two coverages that belong on every home policy in disaster-prone states.
2023 Policygenius award winner
Openly
4.6
Why we chose it
Openly insures homes up to $5 million with its impressive lineup of customizable policy add-ons that come with high coverage limits — and the best part? Its rates are surprisingly affordable considering its high-net worth customer base.
Pros and cons
Pros
Offers up to $5 million in coverage for high-value homes
Robust lineup of policy add-ons with high limits to customize coverage to fit your needs
No restrictions on pools without fences or dangerous dog breeds
Cons
Only available in 21 states
Fewer home insurance discounts than competitors
Not included in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction studies
More details
Despite being founded in 2017, Openly has wasted no time becoming one of the best home insurance options for high net-worth homeowners looking for dwelling coverage limits of up to $5 million and higher limits of protection for expensive valuables and keepsakes.
With an average premium of $1,125 per year, Openly home insurance is significantly cheaper than the national average — though keep in mind that it only writes policies in 21 states.
Progressive
4.5
Why we chose it
Progressive is ideal if you’re looking to purchase home and auto insurance policies at the same time to score discounts on your premiums.
Pros and cons
Pros
Available in all states except Alaska and Hawaii
Slew of policy and discount options available
Easy-to-use app to manage policy
Cons
Not a direct insurance carrier
Cost varies by company Progressive places you with
Customer service & claims options vary by company
More details
With availability in all states except two and a generous multi-policy discount, Progressive is the ideal insurance company for homeowners who have a car or other types of property to insure. It also earned an above-average rating in J.D. Power’s 2022 digital experience study, indicating customer satisfaction with Progressive’s mobile and web experience.
However, Progressive isn’t a direct insurance carrier. This means your coverage, rates, and claims experience will depend on which company it places you with. Because of this, Progressive may not be the best choice for homeowners who prefer paying their bills and filing claims all with one company.
2023 Policygenius award winner
Travelers
4.4
Why we chose it
Travelers is one of the oldest and most trusted home insurance providers in the business thanks to its industry-best financial ratings, flexible policy options for most home types and budgets, and availability in nearly every U.S. state.
Pros and cons
Pros
Green home coverage and discounts
Offers short-term rental coverage for Airbnb hosts
Doesn’t require prior insurance on the home
Cons
Subpar customer service ratings with J.D. Power
Underwhelming number of available discounts
More details
Travelers is one of our top-rated home insurance providers, featuring average rates below the national average, flexible policy options for most home types and situations, unique coverages like green home and short-term rental protection, and the highest AM Best rating (A++) a company can receive.
However, Travelers offers fewer discounts than most companies of its size, and its scores in J.D. Power’s 2022 customer satisfaction, claims, and digital experience surveys indicate that Travelers’ customer service could use some improvement.
While our reviews can help familiarize you with each company’s strengths and weaknesses and inform your comparison, the best homeowners for you are based on factors specific to you and your home. At Policygenius, our customers save an average of 30% on homeowners insurance while also securing the best coverage for their needs thanks to our extensive mix of company and policy options.
Compare home insurance rates by state
Along with coverage limits, your home's location has a major impact on your home insurance rates. States with frequent hurricanes, wildfires, and other disasters often have higher average home insurance rates, while states with cooler or more mild weather have the cheapest average premiums.
State | Average monthly premium | Average annual premium | Percentage difference from national average |
$165 | $1,982 | 4% | |
$117 | $1,398 | -26% | |
$147 | $1,762 | -7% | |
$244 | $2,924 | 54% | |
$120 | $1,436 | -24% | |
$206 | $2,472 | 30% | |
$113 | $1,359 | -28% | |
$77 | $928 | -51% | |
$96 | $1,154 | -39% | |
$204 | $2,442 | 29% | |
$163 | $1,956 | 3% | |
$41 | $486 | -74% | |
$113 | $1,352 | -29% | |
$148 | $1,775 | -7% | |
$143 | $1,719 | -9% | |
$143 | $1,714 | -10% | |
$258 | $3,094 | 63% | |
$219 | $2,622 | 38% | |
$209 | $2,507 | 32% | |
$90 | $1,076 | -43% | |
$131 | $1,575 | -17% | |
$107 | $1,285 | -32% | |
$129 | $1,550 | -18% | |
$161 | $1,937 | 2% | |
$221 | $2,655 | 40% | |
$219 | $2,627 | 38% | |
$184 | $2,213 | 17% | |
$312 | $3,741 | 97% | |
$101 | $1,209 | -36% | |
$81 | $967 | -49% | |
$75 | $904 | -52% | |
$141 | $1,686 | -11% | |
$95 | $1,139 | -40% | |
$132 | $1,580 | -17% | |
$158 | $1,890 | 0% | |
$108 | $1,297 | -32% | |
$353 | $4,230 | 123% | |
$75 | $905 | -52% | |
$97 | $1,162 | -39% | |
$113 | $1,358 | -28% | |
$141 | $1,696 | -11% | |
$202 | $2,418 | 27% | |
$187 | $2,242 | 18% | |
$252 | $3,027 | 59% | |
$77 | $923 | -51% | |
$75 | $900 | -53% | |
$111 | $1,329 | -30% | |
$101 | $1,216 | -36% | |
$122 | $1,464 | -23% | |
$98 | $1,177 | -38% | |
$133 | $1,599 | -16% |
Avg. annual premium:
Average annual premium:
$_____
Estimate your home insurance cost
Select your state to see the average homeowners insurance rate
The latest research & surveys from Policygenius
Home Insurance Pricing Report
Home insurance prices are roughly 35% higher nationally compared to two years ago, with several wildfire and tornado-prone states accounting for the largest average increases.
Home Insurance & Inflation Survey
Majority of U.S. homeowners may not have enough insurance to rebuild their homes after a disaster like a hurricane, tornado, or wildfire.
Home Insurance & Climate Change Survey
Roughly 64% of young homeowners expect to move due to climate change in the next 30 years.
What you'll need to get the best home insurance quote
When getting a home insurance quote, have this information on-hand to make the process faster:
The size and age of your home. Insurers will want to know your home's square footage and the year it was built.
Names, relation, and ages of residents. Home insurance liability coverage protects you and family members that live in your home. An insurer may require you to provide names, ages, and your relationship for those who live in the home.
Age and type of roof. Insurers will want to know how old your roof is and what materials it is made out of. If you have a newer roof with updated materials, you may see lower rates.
Your home insurance and claims history. If you previously had insurance on your home, your new insurer may ask you how long you were insured for and if you filed any claims in the past.
Number and breed of pets. Some insurers may exclude coverage for certain dog breeds. You'll need to disclose if you have any pets and what their breed is.
Improvements and renovations. If you recently made home improvements, renovated a part of your house, or built an addition, you'll need to let your insurance company know — as this may affect your home's rebuild value.
Safety devices. You may be able to score a discount if you installed safety devices, like a smart home alarm system. Let your insurer know if your home is equipped with any sort of safety device, including deadbolt locks and fire alarms.
What does homeowners insurance cover?
Here’s a more detailed look at the different coverages included in every homeowners insurance policy purchased through Policygenius and what each protects you against.
Learn more >> What does home insurance cover?
Types of home insurance quotes
There are several different types of homeowners insurance policies, and which one you need will depend on your property and coverage needs. But in most cases, if you own your home and you live there most of the year, your home insurance quotes will likely be based on the following.
HO-3 – Special Form: An HO-3 policy is the most common form of homeowners insurance. It’s designed for standard homes and contains all of the coverages described above: dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, personal liability, and medical expenses coverages.
HO-5 – Comprehensive Form: An HO-5 comprehensive form policy is just what it sounds like — it offers the most complete protection for single-family homes. An HO-5 is nearly identical to the HO-3, but with more comprehensive coverage for personal belongings.
HO-6 – Unit Owners Form: Also called condo insurance, this type of policy is designed for people who own a condominium or live in a co-op. Because condos and co-ops have homeowners insurance associations (HOAs), how much coverage you need will depend on your HOA's master policy.
Learn more >> 8 different types of homeowners insurance
Additional insurance you can get quotes for
Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage to your home or belongings that’s caused by earthquakes or floods, but you can purchase additional coverage or compare standalone insurance policies to make sure you're protected.
Flood insurance
Homeowners insurance never includes coverage for damage caused by flooding. The agents at Policygenius can help you compare quotes from private flood insurers or help get you set up with a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) — a FEMA-backed program.
Earthquake insurance
Homeowners insurance also doesn’t cover earthquake damage. Depending on the insurance company, you may be able to add earthquake coverage to your main policy with a home insurance endorsement, or you may need to purchase a separate standalone earthquake insurance policy. Policygenius can help you compare quotes from insurers that offer earthquake endorsements, or help you purchase a separate policy.
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Frequently asked questions
What is homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a form of property insurance that protects your home and personal belongings in the event they're destroyed by a covered loss, like a fire or windstorm. It can also protect your assets in the event you're found legally responsible for someone's injury or damage to their property.
What is a home insurance quote?
A home insurance quote is an estimate of how much you’ll pay for a policy based on details about your home, credit score, claims history, and coverage limits. All insurance companies have their own way of calculating quotes, so premium estimates can vary widely across insurers.
How can I get a good deal on my home insurance?
You’ll want to compare quotes to choose the insurer and policy that offers the coverage you need at the most affordable cost. Look for companies that offer discounts, like money off for bundling your home and auto insurance.
How do I know how much home insurance I need?
Homeowners insurance coverage needs vary from homeowner to homeowner. In general, your coverage amounts should be high enough to cover your home’s rebuild cost (meaning the cost to rebuild it completely if it were destroyed), the monetary value of your personal belongings, and your combined assets. If you need flood or earthquake coverage, you’ll need to buy those separately.
Are there different homeowners insurance requirements by state?
No, homeowners insurance is not required by law in any state. However, most lenders will require proof of home insurance before you can close on a property.
Average savings of 30% per year on home insurance: Savings are determined by calculating the average difference between the lowest and second lowest home insurance policy estimates provided to shoppers with two or more estimates between 06/01/2020 and 05/18/2021. Potential savings are based on a composite of multiple different contracts and insurers. Not all policies in this calculation are available in all states, and availability may be based on eligibility. Savings may vary by policy amount and location.
Average home insurance cost: Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:
Dwelling: $300,000
Other structures: $30,000
Personal property: $150,000
Loss of use: $60,000
Liability: $300,000
Medical: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
